Orange mint quenchers bring a fresh twist to alcohol-free drinks. This simple mocktail combines sweet orange juice, zingy mint leaves, and sparkling water to create a refreshing drink. Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to make. The bright citrus flavor pairs well with garden-fresh mint for a perfect spring or summer beverage.
This recipe makes an ideal drink for parties, barbecues, or any occasion that calls for something special. The beautiful orange color and mint garnish look great in clear glasses, making it an eye-catching option for guests who don’t drink alcohol.
The best part about this mocktail is how easy it is to adjust the sweetness and fizz levels. Adding more or less sparkling water changes the strength, while a touch of honey or simple syrup can make it sweeter for those who prefer it that way.
Orange Mint Quencher Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher (32 oz capacity)
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Ice cube tray
- Tall glasses
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh-squeezed orange juice about 4-5 large oranges
- 15-20 fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 2 cups sparkling water
- 1 orange sliced for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water
Instructions
- Place mint leaves in the pitcher. Then, gently muddle them to release their oils.
- Add honey to the pitcher and stir until dissolved.
- Pour in the fresh orange juice and stir to combine with the mint and honey mixture.
- Add ice cubes to fill the pitcher halfway.
- Next, pour in the sparkling water and gently stir to combine.
- Fill tall glasses with ice cubes.
- Then, strain the mixture into glasses.
- Garnish each glass with an orange slice and fresh mint leaves.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Orange Mint Quencher has a bright, refreshing taste that hits the taste buds in waves. The sweet orange juice leads the flavor profile, followed by cool mint notes that leave a pleasant tingle.
Each sip brings perfect balance between citrus and mint. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that smooths out any tartness from the fresh orange juice.
The bubbles from the sparkling water create a light, effervescent texture. This gives the drink a fun, zingy mouthfeel that enhances the mint’s cooling effect.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Sweet orange with mild acidity
- Cool spearmint finish
- Light honey undertones
- Clean, crisp bubbles
The drink stays refreshing from start to finish. The mint taste grows stronger near the end, leaving a clean and cool sensation on the palate.
This mocktail works best served very cold. Ice helps bring out the mint flavors and keeps the bubbles lively in the glass.
Substitute
You can swap ingredients in this Orange Mint Quencher recipe to match your taste or pantry items.
Replace fresh orange juice with store-bought orange juice, tangerine juice, or blood orange juice. Each brings its own sweet-tart balance to the drink.
For mint leaves, dried mint works in a pinch. Use 1/4 teaspoon of dried mint for every 2-3 fresh mint leaves. Basil or lemon balm can work too.
Simple syrup alternatives include:
- Honey
- Agave nectar
- Maple syrup
- Stevia
The club soda adds fizz, but these options work well:
- Sparkling water
- Tonic water
- Ginger ale
- Sprite or 7-Up
Note: Using sweetened sodas might need less simple syrup to keep the drink from being too sweet.
Make it tropical by adding:
- Pineapple juice
- Mango nectar
- Passion fruit juice
For garnish options, try:
- Lemon wedges
- Lime slices
- Fresh berries
- Cucumber ribbons
